Changing Fates: The Second Chance [under editing]

Chapter 24: New Beginnings and Lifelong Commitments

It was a cool autumn evening at Cloud Recesses, and the night breeze carried with it the scent of blooming flowers from the gardens below. Lanterns gently swayed in the wind, casting a soft glow over the courtyard where a small gathering of friends and family were seated.

Jiang Cheng sat at the edge of the courtyard, his gaze fixed on Lan Xichen, who stood talking with Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian. It had been a year and months since the war had ended, and though their lives had slowly returned to normal, Jiang Cheng couldn’t shake the emotions that had been stirring within him.

Lan Xichen had always been kind to him, patient even when Jiang Cheng had been his harshest self. Over time, the quiet moments they shared, the glances that lingered longer than necessary, had evolved into something deeper—something Jiang Cheng wasn’t sure how to express. But he knew one thing for certain: he didn’t want to let this slip away.

As if sensing his gaze, Lan Xichen turned and caught Jiang Cheng’s eyes. There was a moment of silence between them, one that spoke of unspoken words and unresolved feelings. With a nod, Lan Xichen excused himself from the conversation with his brother and Wei Wuxian and walked over to where Jiang Cheng was sitting.

“Jiang Cheng,” Lan Xichen said softly, his voice as calm as ever. “Are you alright?”

Jiang Cheng cleared his throat, trying to mask the awkwardness he felt. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just... thinking.”

Lan Xichen took a seat beside him, close enough for their shoulders to brush. “It’s not often I see you this quiet. What’s on your mind?”

Jiang Cheng hesitated for a moment, then let out a deep breath. “I’ve been thinking a lot lately. About... everything. About you.”

Lan Xichen raised an eyebrow but remained silent, allowing Jiang Cheng to gather his thoughts.

Jiang Cheng clenched his fists in his lap, his heart pounding as he struggled to find the right words. “You’ve been there for me, even when I didn’t deserve it. You saw through the walls I put up, and you were always patient, always understanding. I’ve spent so much time angry, bitter... but being around you, it’s different. You make me want to be better.”

Lan Xichen’s gaze softened, and he reached out to place a gentle hand on Jiang Cheng’s arm. “You are better, Jiang Cheng. You’ve grown so much, and I see the goodness in you every day. I care about you deeply, more than you might realize.”

Jiang Cheng looked at Lan Xichen, his heart racing. He wasn’t used to being vulnerable, to expressing his feelings like this. But with Lan Xichen, it felt right. “I care about you too, Xichen. More than I’ve ever cared about anyone.”

Lan Xichen smiled, a warmth spreading across his face. “Then perhaps it’s time we stop pretending that what we feel isn’t real.”

Jiang Cheng’s eyes widened slightly, but then he let out a soft laugh. “Yeah... I guess it is.”

In the quiet of the evening, with the soft glow of lanterns around them, Jiang Cheng leaned closer, his heart pounding in his chest. He wasn’t sure what the future held, but in this moment, with Lan Xichen by his side, he knew that whatever it was, they would face it together. Their lips met in a gentle kiss, a promise of what was to come.

Meanwhile, across the courtyard, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji stood by the edge of the pond, watching the koi fish swim lazily through the water. Wei Wuxian had been unusually quiet, and Lan Wangji, ever observant, knew that something was on his mind.

“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji said softly, turning to face him. “What is it?”

Wei Wuxian grinned, but there was a seriousness behind his usual playful demeanor. “Lan Zhan... I’ve been thinking. We’ve been through so much together. You’ve stood by me, fought for me, and loved me in ways I never thought possible. I never imagined my life could be like this—peaceful, happy, with you by my side.”

Lan Wangji’s gaze softened. “And I will always be by your side.”

Wei Wuxian took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. “Then why don’t we make it official?”

Lan Wangji’s eyes widened slightly, but his expression remained calm. “Official?”

Wei Wuxian nodded, his grin widening. “Let’s get married, Lan Zhan. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and I don’t want to wait any longer.”

Lan Wangji’s heart swelled with emotion, though his face remained composed. “Wei Ying...”

Wei Wuxian laughed, stepping closer to Lan Wangji and taking his hands in his own. “I’m serious. I’ve already wasted so much time in my past life, pushing you away when all I wanted was to be with you. I don’t want to make that mistake again. So, what do you say, Lan Zhan? Will you marry me?”

Lan Wangji’s lips curved into a soft smile, and he gently pulled Wei Wuxian closer. “Yes, Wei Ying. I will marry you.”

Wei Wuxian’s face lit up, and before he knew it, Lan Wangji had pulled him into a tender kiss, sealing their promise with the love and devotion they had always shared.

As they stood together, wrapped in each other’s arms, the world around them seemed to disappear. They had found their peace, their happiness, and now they had a future to look forward to—one that they would build together.

And for the first time in a long time, Wei Wuxian felt like he was exactly where he belonged.